How to Tell If a Leather Couch is Real Or Faux
Due to misleading price tags and descriptions of the product, it can be difficult to tell whether you're buying a genuine leather couch. You need to get up close and personal with the couch - smell, feel and then turn over a couch to look at the fabric.
For instance, a 'leather' couch CHOICE test had contact areas (such as seats and arm rests) covered in genuine leather but the non-contact areas were made of cotton and polyester coated.
1. Smell
A real leather couch should smell natural, fresh and luxurious. Faux leather on the other hand is often chemically processed and synthetic. If your sofa smells unpleasant it could be due to urine from your pet. In most cases, a thorough cleaning will eliminate any smell. If you're not pleased with the results, you can try applying a leather conditioner. This will restore moisture to the leather, making it soft, less brittle, and more resistant to smells.
You can also make use of a natural odor eliminator such as baking soda to remove unpleasant odors from your sofa. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, and then employ a cloth (preferably microfibre) to clean the leather couch. If the cloth starts to accumulate dirt, you can either wring it or replace it with a new one. You can spray the solution onto your couch. Let the solution dry before wiping it over again.
Another way to get rid of the smells of your leather is to air it out. Place the sofa in a bright area to let it air. This will help remove unpleasant odors and give it an aroma that is fresh and natural.
If you want to stay clear of unpleasant odors, purchase a leather conditioner with healthy oils. This will stop your leather from taking in unpleasant odors and keep it looking good for a longer time.
While the scent of natural leather is appealing however, it can be difficult to maintain. In time, it may absorb odors from smoking, cooking, and even body odor. These odors are hard to get rid of, especially when your home is occupied by children or pets. Real leather couches do not trap these odors as fabric upholstery can. This is why they are a great option for families with active children.
If your couch smells akin to an odor of a dog that has peed on it It's crucial to take action immediately. You can try a few of the tips above, or try using a dedicated product such as Leather Honey to treat the problem. Prevention is the
best leather couch option but be sure to teach your dog not to pee on the couch!
2. Contact us if you have any questions.
There are a few indicators to look out for when you are shopping for leather furniture, but the most reliable way to determine if it's authentic is to touch it and smell it. Real leather has an unmistakable unique, natural scent. This scent may fade with age but there should be no mistaking it when a sofa is new.
A genuine leather sofa is supposed to be warm and soft to touch. Faux and bonded leathers tend to be colder and have a a plasticky feel. To test it, gently press your fingers against the couch's surface and look for bumps. If you don't feel bumps, the leather is likely to be faux or bonded leather.
If you notice vertical seams stitched on the back of sofas, this is another indicator. This indicates that the leather isn't a single piece, which is a characteristic of genuine leather
couches leather.
The quality of the frame of a leather couch can have a significant impact on its longevity however, it's not always clear. Ask what type of wood was used to make the frame. This will help you choose a sofa with longevity for a long time. A solid oak frame will be the most durable and expensive choice, whereas engineered and particle board frames aren't as sturdy. To ensure durability, a frame made of hardwood should also be kiln-dried to prevent warping and mildew.
If you're on a budget but still want an authentic leather sofa you will love. The Room & Board Stevens Leather Sofa is a good example. It is a stylish and flexible option that's often available for sale and can be customized to fit your home.
Another option that is budget-friendly is the La-Z-Boy Gather Manual Reclining Sofa It has a classic design and is available in hundreds of fade-resistant fabric. However, this sofa requires assembly at home, and the back cushions tend to slide down.
3. Backing
Real leather couches have a certain appeal that other kinds of upholstery just can't match. Leather sofas are extremely durable and resist wear and tear far more than fabric, making them last for a long time to be. They are also less likely to attract allergens, dust or spills. But, like everything else in life, there are a few issues to be aware of when purchasing a leather couch - and it is important to be aware of what to look for before making your final decision.
If you're unsure whether your new sofa is genuine leather, the first thing you need to do is examine the materials tag on the frame to discover exactly what type of fabric or leather it's made from. However, you should also utilize your own senses to assist you in making an informed decision if you are unable to find any information about the materials used to make the sofa.
The surface of the sofa is worth a close examination, paying attention to the texture, shading and patterns. A real leather couch will have natural imperfections and won't be completely uniform in terms of structure patterns, shading, or pattern. If the surface is uniform and smooth or if a mesh-like backing appears instead of the coarse leather, it's a clear indicator of fake or synthetic leather.
Take a look at the back of the cushion casing. If you see stitched vertical seams on the back of the cushion, it's an indication that it isn't authentic leather. This is because animal hides are restricted in size and can be cut only to a certain extent. To ensure the best quality of their products top-rated manufacturers will sew and stitch across the entire back of a couch to ensure that it is genuine leather and not bonded or fake leather.
If you are able lift a corner and inspect the padding on the back. If the back of the cushion is covered in an woven fabric or covered in polyurethane this is another sign that the couch is not genuine leather. Genuine leather should feel sturdy and rough when it is touched.
4. Patterns
A leather sofa is a classic, and for good reason. The natural, warm design and feel can add a touch of class to any living space. A modern tanning procedure gives it extra durability, so that it resists cracking or sliding. And because each hide has its own unique marks and grain, as well as blemishes, every leather couch is unique.
The best way to determine if the leather you are purchasing is genuine is to inspect it closely. Check the texture of the surface, its structure and pattern for a more detailed glimpse of its
genuine leather sofa set. If the structure of the leather is consistent and there aren't any visible blemishes on the surface, then it's likely to be faux or bound.
A polyurethane back on the sofa is another dead giveaway. This is a typical feature of
leather sofa set price that is bonded. Genuine leather will appear more natural and be backed by materials that closely match the fabric used in making the furniture.
Finally, check the back of the couch to see two or three stitched vertical seams. This indicates that the leather has been made with attention to last. If there are no seams, and the back appears to be a continuous piece of cloth, then it's likely to be a fake or bonded leather couch.
Once you've confirmed that a sofa is made of genuine leather, it's time to pair it with your other living room furniture. Match your couch with wooden furniture and add pillows that match
the leather sofa company color of your room. You can also opt for an energizing, relaxing arrangement by putting the couch between two pieces of furniture with a coffeetable between.
Make sure your leather sofa is kept away from direct sunlight to avoid it fading or developing scuffs. If you're looking to prolong the life of your leather sofa and protect it from damage apply a leather protector agent every other year.